New Manhattan Clam Chowder

Name: New Manhattan Clam Chowder
Ingredients: 3 pounds clams, rinsed; 1 cup white wine, plus more for finishing; 1 tablespoon butter; 5 very thick slices bacon, roughly chopped (about 8 ounces); 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 stalks celery, finely chopped; 1 large yellow bell pepper, finely chopped; Kosher salt, to taste; 2 garlic cloves, minced or microplanes; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 large Yukon potato (about 10 ounces), diced (about 1/2-inch); 3 sprigs thyme; 1 dried bay leaf; 1 14.5-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, pulsed in food processed until chunky; 2/3 cup heavy cream; Oyster crackers, bread bowl, or crusty sliced bread for serving